Difference between revisions of "Archer"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage Archer Front.jpg|x250px|thumb|left]] [[File:GarageImage Archer Rear.jpg|x230px|thumb|center]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (also known as the '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British tank destroyer {{BR1}} It was released along with the entire British tree line in [[Update_1.55_"Royal_Armour"|Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. The Archer is a unique tank destroyer, as its gun faces the rear of the tank. The Archer can be good at both close combat- so long as you have somewhere to retreat to- and is also good at sniping. In a sense, you might consider the Archer to have two forward directions.
 +
 
 +
The Archer's armament is very good at this battle rating. The same cannon is even used on Rank III and IV tanks like the [[A30 Challenger]] and the [[Sherman VC Firefly|Firefly]]. Its 9.0 second reload speed is not bad, but there are faster firing cannons at this rank such as both short and long German 75mm cannons, or the [[Medium Tank M4A1 Sherman|M4A1's]] cannon. However, the Archer can instantly destroy many enemy tanks, and if it doesn't destroy them it will damage them. If the enemy is not destroyed and they can shoot you, retreat and reload. Once reloaded you can try to destroy the enemy tank, but if its aiming in your direction you can try sneaking up on it. The Archer does not have a turret, but its gun can traverse further left and right than most non-turreted tank destroyers, including the [[Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. F]] and [[SU-122]]. While these tank destroyers have a higher battle rating than the Archer, you may still encounter them.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
+
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpfull for survival in combat?''
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm (27°) ''Lower glacis'' || 20 mm || 20 mm (23°), 14 mm (60°) ''Top'' <br> 20 mm (0°), 14 mm (65°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Superstructure || 20 mm (32-33°) ''Same as hull front'' || 20 mm (13-18°) || 20 mm (16-57°) ''Gun shield'' <br> 100 mm ''Gun breech'' || N/A
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
* "Front" of the vehicle is the direction the driver is facing.
 +
* Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
 +
* Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
 +
* A 9-12 mm RHA plate separate the crew compartment from the engine
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
−
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
+
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
 +
|-
 +
! Weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
 +
!colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
|rowspan="2" | 16.3 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 35 (AB)
 +
|-
 +
|33 (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|273
 +
|336
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|170
 +
|192
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="1" | Mode
 +
!Stock
 +
!Upgraded
 +
|-
 +
|''Arcade''
 +
|16.75
 +
|20.61
 +
|-
 +
|''Realistic/Simulator''
 +
|10.43
 +
|11.78
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibilty of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
 +
{{main|Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm OQF 17-pounder]]
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" rowspan="1" style="width:5em" |Capacity
 +
! rowspan="1" | Vertical <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal <br> guidance
 +
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="3" | 39 || -7°/+15° || ±22.3° || N/A
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
 +
|-
 +
! style="width:4em" |Mode
 +
! style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| ''Arcade'' || 1.5 || 2.1 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
| ''Realistic'' || 1.5 || 1.8 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Stock
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
 +
! colspan="1" style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
 +
|-
 +
| 7.4 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===== Ammunition =====
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
 +
|-
 +
! 10m
 +
! 100m
 +
! 500m
 +
! 1000m
 +
! 1500m
 +
! 2000m
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.6 ||  AP || 160 || 157 || 133 || 112 || 96 || 86
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 ||
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 165 || 160 || 138 || 108 || 94 || 81
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 171 || 168 || 156 || 143 || 130 || 120
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
! colspan="11" | Shell details
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 +
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Type of <br /> warhead
 +
! rowspan="2" |Velocity <br /> in m/s
 +
! rowspan="2" |Projectile<br />Mass in kg
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
 +
''in m:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
 +
''in mm:''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g<br /> (TNT equivalent):''
 +
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° <br> from horizontal:''
 +
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
 +
|-
 +
! 0%
 +
! 50%
 +
! 100%
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
 +
|-
 +
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 7.0 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
'''Last updated: 1.77.2.149'''
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_Archer.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the Archer.]]
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full<br /> ammo
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th<br />  rack empty
 +
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual<br /> discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
|| '''39''' || 30&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 20&nbsp;''(+19)'' || 10&nbsp;''(+29)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+38)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Machine guns ===
+
Rear empty: 20&nbsp;''(+19)''
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
 
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
You should use the true forward direction (Opposite of the gun) to travel from place to place as its reverse speed is low. You should travel in the direction of the gun when approaching an enemy or an area with combat taking place. Once you can shoot the enemy, fire a round at them and quickly go in the true forward direction to retreat. The same applies to when you're sniping, fire a shot and retreat. Again, the Archer can be played in both close combat and sniping, but be sure not to get too close.
 +
 
 +
The Archer has an open top, so you will need to be careful about machine guns and artillery. Its faster forward speed can allow you to escape from planes who are attacking you. You should also note that the Archer is faster than all three Valentines. While it is based on a Valentine, its reverse speed is about double the reverse speed of a Valentine, and its forward speed is about 9 km/h faster.
 +
 
 +
When ever facing tanks of any battle rating and rank, always be on alert and always have a back up plan as most tanks may be able to knock out the Archer in one shot. Do not worry, always play safely and stay at a reasonable distance from the cap circle or in an area which can be a chock point for the enemy team. Always make sure you are in an area where they have to face the tank from in the cannon's arc to always have a first shot opportunity and have the enemy back off from charging straight into the Archer's field of fire. If a plane or tank starts strafing the Archer, pull out and find a new location as that place is now compromised and a wary pilot or flanking enemy could put an end to the Archer's career.
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
As usual, it is recommended to research "Parts" first, particularly due to the vehicle's need to expose its engine to aim at an enemy. Engine damage is, of course, very crippling, and unfortunately a recurrent phenomenon for the Archer, and as such repairing it is priority whenever it occurs. After that, you should research the Horizontal Drive because the Archer's turret traverse speed is sluggish.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
−
 
 
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
*Ability to move faster in the opposite direction of the gun can allow for a quick retreat.
−
 
+
*The vehicle's cannon is good for its battle rating.
 +
*The vehicle's horizontal cannon traverse traverse is wider than most turret-less tank destroyers.
 +
*The direction configuration can confuse or surprise enemies.
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
*It can be hard to master this vehicle as the gun does not face forward.
 +
*Because the gun faces the rear of the vehicle, the enemy can shoot your engine and immobilize you when you engage.
 +
*Only travels about 4 km/h backwards, which makes it hard to move in the direction of your gun.
 +
*Very slow cannon traverse speed makes aiming at moving targets difficult.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
 +
===Development===
 +
The production of the 17-pounder anti-tank gun for British service gave the British military firepower capable of destroying the heavier German tanks, however the gun's heavy weight and bulkiness presented a mobility issue for the crew. An attempt to make a mobile version was done in 1942, first with the [[3 inch Gun Carrier]] as a self-propelled mount, then with the [[17 pounder Self-Propelled M10|M10 tank destroyer]] from the Americans which proved more successful. Another project done was to use obsolete tank chassis and convert them into mounts for use, like the [[Crusader Mk.III|Crusader]] cruiser tanks and the [[Valentine Mk.XI|Valentine]] infantry gun. The Valentine was chosen for further development as it was one of the more reliable tanks in British service and had the specifications needed to mount the gun. The modified Valentine, known as the '''Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I, Archer''', was given a more powerful engine and a case mate superstructure on the front. The most distinctive feature of the Archer compared to any other tank destroyers in the war was that its gun is not facing forward, rather to the rear. This had a benefit of reducing the vehicle's length by making the gun stretch out over the rear hull of the vehicle, limiting the gun from extending over the vehicle. The rear gun mounting, despite its unorthodox method, allowed the Archer to become an excellent ambush weapon, by firing at targets with its gun and able to speed away forward at full speed rather than reverse. The first prototype of the Archer was made in 1943, trials were carried out in April 1943, which concluded favorable and was 800 was ordered from Vickers and accepted into service in October 1944. Vickers were able to complete 655 Archer tank destroyers from March 1943 to until the end of the war in May 1945.
 +
 
 +
===Combat usage===
 +
The Archer was used in the Italian front and the European campaign against Germany. As a self-propelled gun, the Royal artillery had authority over the tank destroyer just like other tank destroyers in British service. Reception to the Archer proved that the crews favor the Archer over the M10 Achilles due to the better tactics the Archer presented by shooting then speeding away before the enemy could discover them. Though the drawbacks of the crew positions, open-topped superstructure, and limited gun traverse limited the Archer's capabilities, this was mitigated by its role as a tank destroyer and was used in World War II until the end.
 +
 
 +
Britain continued to use the Archer up until the 1950s. Once retired, some were sold to the Egyptian Army, to which they reported using it during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. After that, no further action reports are known with the Archers.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 51: Line 233:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{Britain tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 04:22, 30 November 2018

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
Archer
uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine.png
Archer
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Archer Front.jpg
GarageImage Archer Rear.jpg


The Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer (also known as the Archer) is a Rank II British tank destroyer Template:BR1 It was released along with the entire British tree line in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour". The Archer is a unique tank destroyer, as its gun faces the rear of the tank. The Archer can be good at both close combat- so long as you have somewhere to retreat to- and is also good at sniping. In a sense, you might consider the Archer to have two forward directions.

The Archer's armament is very good at this battle rating. The same cannon is even used on Rank III and IV tanks like the A30 Challenger and the Firefly. Its 9.0 second reload speed is not bad, but there are faster firing cannons at this rank such as both short and long German 75mm cannons, or the M4A1's cannon. However, the Archer can instantly destroy many enemy tanks, and if it doesn't destroy them it will damage them. If the enemy is not destroyed and they can shoot you, retreat and reload. Once reloaded you can try to destroy the enemy tank, but if its aiming in your direction you can try sneaking up on it. The Archer does not have a turret, but its gun can traverse further left and right than most non-turreted tank destroyers, including the Sturmgeschütz III Ausf. F and SU-122. While these tank destroyers have a higher battle rating than the Archer, you may still encounter them.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour
Armour Front Sides Rear Roof
Hull 20 mm (32-33°) Front glacis
20 mm (27°) Lower glacis 		20 mm 20 mm (23°), 14 mm (60°) Top
20 mm (0°), 14 mm (65°) Bottom 		10 mm
Superstructure 20 mm (32-33°) Same as hull front 20 mm (13-18°) 20 mm (16-57°) Gun shield
100 mm Gun breech 		N/A

Notes:

  • "Front" of the vehicle is the direction the driver is facing.
  • Suspension wheels, bogies, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Belly armour is 10 mm thick.
  • A 9-12 mm RHA plate separate the crew compartment from the engine

Mobility

Mobility characteristic
Weight (tons) Add-on Armour
weight (tons) 		Max speed (km/h)
16.3 N/A 35 (AB)
33 (RB/SB)
Engine power (horsepower)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 273 336
Realistic/Simulator 170 192
Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Mode Stock Upgraded
Arcade 16.75 20.61
Realistic/Simulator 10.43 11.78

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)
76 mm OQF 17-pounder
Capacity Vertical
guidance 		Horizontal
guidance 		Stabilizer
39 -7°/+15° ±22.3° N/A
Turret rotation speed (°/s)
Mode Stock Upgraded Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
Arcade 1.5 2.1 __.__ __.__ __.__
Realistic 1.5 1.8 __.__ __.__ __.__
Reloading rate (seconds)
Stock Prior + Full crew Prior + Expert qualif. Prior + Ace qualif.
7.4 __.__ __.__ __.__
Ammunition
Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration in mm @ 90°
10m 100m 500m 1000m 1500m 2000m
Shot Mk.6 AP 160 157 133 112 96 86
Shell Mk.1 HE 9 9 9 9 9 9
Shot Mk.4 APC 165 160 138 108 94 81
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 171 168 156 143 130 120
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
in m/s 		Projectile
Mass in kg 		Fuse delay

in m:

Fuse sensitivity

in mm:

Explosive Mass in g
(TNT equivalent): 		Normalization At 30°
from horizontal: 		Ricochet:
0% 50% 100%
Shot Mk.6 AP 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A -1° 47° 60° 65°
Shell Mk.1 HE 883 7.0 0.4 0.5 580 +0° 79° 80° 81°
Shot Mk.4 APC 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A -1° 48° 63° 71°
Shot Mk.8 APCBC 883 7.7 N/A N/A N/A +4° 48° 63° 71°
Ammo racks

Last updated: 1.77.2.149

Ammo racks of the Archer.
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
39 30 (+9) 20 (+19) 10 (+29) 1 (+38) No

Rear empty: 20 (+19)

Usage in the battles

You should use the true forward direction (Opposite of the gun) to travel from place to place as its reverse speed is low. You should travel in the direction of the gun when approaching an enemy or an area with combat taking place. Once you can shoot the enemy, fire a round at them and quickly go in the true forward direction to retreat. The same applies to when you're sniping, fire a shot and retreat. Again, the Archer can be played in both close combat and sniping, but be sure not to get too close.

The Archer has an open top, so you will need to be careful about machine guns and artillery. Its faster forward speed can allow you to escape from planes who are attacking you. You should also note that the Archer is faster than all three Valentines. While it is based on a Valentine, its reverse speed is about double the reverse speed of a Valentine, and its forward speed is about 9 km/h faster.

When ever facing tanks of any battle rating and rank, always be on alert and always have a back up plan as most tanks may be able to knock out the Archer in one shot. Do not worry, always play safely and stay at a reasonable distance from the cap circle or in an area which can be a chock point for the enemy team. Always make sure you are in an area where they have to face the tank from in the cannon's arc to always have a first shot opportunity and have the enemy back off from charging straight into the Archer's field of fire. If a plane or tank starts strafing the Archer, pull out and find a new location as that place is now compromised and a wary pilot or flanking enemy could put an end to the Archer's career.

Modules

As usual, it is recommended to research "Parts" first, particularly due to the vehicle's need to expose its engine to aim at an enemy. Engine damage is, of course, very crippling, and unfortunately a recurrent phenomenon for the Archer, and as such repairing it is priority whenever it occurs. After that, you should research the Horizontal Drive because the Archer's turret traverse speed is sluggish.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Ability to move faster in the opposite direction of the gun can allow for a quick retreat.
  • The vehicle's cannon is good for its battle rating.
  • The vehicle's horizontal cannon traverse traverse is wider than most turret-less tank destroyers.
  • The direction configuration can confuse or surprise enemies.

Cons:

  • It can be hard to master this vehicle as the gun does not face forward.
  • Because the gun faces the rear of the vehicle, the enemy can shoot your engine and immobilize you when you engage.
  • Only travels about 4 km/h backwards, which makes it hard to move in the direction of your gun.
  • Very slow cannon traverse speed makes aiming at moving targets difficult.

History

Development

The production of the 17-pounder anti-tank gun for British service gave the British military firepower capable of destroying the heavier German tanks, however the gun's heavy weight and bulkiness presented a mobility issue for the crew. An attempt to make a mobile version was done in 1942, first with the 3 inch Gun Carrier as a self-propelled mount, then with the M10 tank destroyer from the Americans which proved more successful. Another project done was to use obsolete tank chassis and convert them into mounts for use, like the Crusader cruiser tanks and the Valentine infantry gun. The Valentine was chosen for further development as it was one of the more reliable tanks in British service and had the specifications needed to mount the gun. The modified Valentine, known as the Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk.I, Archer, was given a more powerful engine and a case mate superstructure on the front. The most distinctive feature of the Archer compared to any other tank destroyers in the war was that its gun is not facing forward, rather to the rear. This had a benefit of reducing the vehicle's length by making the gun stretch out over the rear hull of the vehicle, limiting the gun from extending over the vehicle. The rear gun mounting, despite its unorthodox method, allowed the Archer to become an excellent ambush weapon, by firing at targets with its gun and able to speed away forward at full speed rather than reverse. The first prototype of the Archer was made in 1943, trials were carried out in April 1943, which concluded favorable and was 800 was ordered from Vickers and accepted into service in October 1944. Vickers were able to complete 655 Archer tank destroyers from March 1943 to until the end of the war in May 1945.

Combat usage

The Archer was used in the Italian front and the European campaign against Germany. As a self-propelled gun, the Royal artillery had authority over the tank destroyer just like other tank destroyers in British service. Reception to the Archer proved that the crews favor the Archer over the M10 Achilles due to the better tactics the Archer presented by shooting then speeding away before the enemy could discover them. Though the drawbacks of the crew positions, open-topped superstructure, and limited gun traverse limited the Archer's capabilities, this was mitigated by its role as a tank destroyer and was used in World War II until the end.

Britain continued to use the Archer up until the 1950s. Once retired, some were sold to the Egyptian Army, to which they reported using it during the Suez Canal crisis in 1956. After that, no further action reports are known with the Archers.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

ETC.

Sources

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  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Britain tank destroyers
Infantry tank derivatives  Archer · Gun Carrier (3-in)
Light tank derivatives  Alecto I
M10 Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion derivatives  FV4005 · Conway
ATGM  Swingfire · Striker
Other  Tortoise · ▄M109A1
Canada  QF 3.7 Ram
South Africa  G6 · ZT3A2

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